Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed

Quantum A Guide for the Perplexed In this lively look at quantum science a physicist takes an entertaining and enlightening journey through the basics of subatomic physics Along the way he examines the paradox of quantum mechanics be

Title: Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed

Author: Jim Al-Khalili

ISBN: 9781841882383

Page: 316

Format: Paperback

In this lively look at quantum science, a physicist takes an entertaining and enlightening journey through the basics of subatomic physics Along the way he examines the paradox of quantum mechanics beautifully mathematical in theory but confoundingly unpredictable in the real world Marvel at the Dual Slit experiment as a tiny atom passes through 2 separate openings at theIn this lively look at quantum science, a physicist takes an entertaining and enlightening journey through the basics of subatomic physics Along the way he examines the paradox of quantum mechanics beautifully mathematical in theory but confoundingly unpredictable in the real world Marvel at the Dual Slit experiment as a tiny atom passes through 2 separate openings at the same time Ponder the peculiar communication of quantum particles, which can remain in touch no matter how far apart Join the genius jewel thief as he carries out a quantum measurement on a diamond without ever touching the object in question With its clean, colorful layout and conversational tone, this text will hook you into the conundrum that is quantum mechanics.

1 thought on “Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed”

Nice introduction to the main elements of quantum mechanics. The part about the different interpretations of quantum mechanics is really interesting and masterfully accomplished; it should also be pointed out that this is one of the few very books on the subject that do not fall into the usual trap of only considering the Copenhagen interpretation. Being myself particularly attracted to the De Broglie-Bohm interpretation, I found the treatment of this item by the author particularly interesting [...]

"Quantum Physics" the term causes many people to either roll their eyes in an expression of pointlessness, or to just fall asleep for lack of seeing any applicable use, or to drift into apathy from an assumption that the subject is far beyond their ability to grasp. That is unfortunately because quantum physics is at its heart the study of the nature of reality, in a way that far transcends the esoteric realm of philosophy but in a way that is not quite classic "science" either. What I love in p [...]

after discussion of the double slit experiment, the author talks about the birth of quantum physics and who should be credited with what. interesting.Al-Khalili argues that the tradition wave-particle view being the main feature of quantum physics is limited (and has somewhat poisoned the water in picturing quantum physics)The author talks about the different schools of thoughts / interpretations of which none are perfect .He adheres to the shut up and calculate school of QP.Some feel. if two pe [...]

This book made my brain hurt. Seriously. I simultaneously realized how smart and creative theoretical physicists really are, and my little brain pales in comparison.I really couldn't rate this book in all fairness because I'm way too conflicted about it. The author had a wonderful voice, and the book is beautifully illustrated. I seriously give him five stars for effort. He really, really tried to make this stuff understandable. He used examples. He used pictures. He didn't use sophisticated lan [...]

A great book that introduces you to Quantum Physics, and as usual Jim's way is amazing, simple, clear and beautiful. You will not get bored with this book, not even if you haven't heard of Quantum, and on the other hand this book answers so many questions that you might have if you heard those stories about Quantum that make no sense (spoiler alert: they do make sense once you finish the book). The essays in the book are a good addition, they enriched the book and explained other ideas without l [...]

As an avid fan of physics since my adolescence, this book is impressive as a gate to the mysterious (and somewhat new) world of quantam physics. Throw all classical Newtonian physics aside and stare in awe and wonder as the author/theoretical physicist helps you find some solace in this intriguing world- after he stumps all logic and reason with the simple double-slit experiment, leaving you to ponder thoroughly as you decipher Schrödinger's equation for the "wavefunction", or look at the many [...]

I was fortunate enough to see Jim Al-Khalili speak about quantum mechanics a few months ago. The lecture hall was full to bursting, so I sat on the cold hard steps. An hour later I'd been treated to a fast-paced tour through fundamental physics and its possible applications to other sciences; and yet my head hurt less than my hind. I choose to interpret this as evidence that Jim Al-Khalili is an excellent speaker, able to get across complex ideas with clarity and enthusiasm. Or I might just have [...]

This short book focuses clearly and succinctly on the confusions and difficulties of understanding the world created by quantum mechanics. With clarity beyond any other meditation on the topic I've encountered, the author quickly tackles and dissects what a strange world we live it at the very small scales.The author doesn't spend too much effort to come up with complicated metaphors as that would defeat the purpose of the book, to explain and elucidate. The author stresses "this doesn't make in [...]

This was a fascinating discussion covering both entry level, to mid level conceptual topics of quantum mechanics, and quantum physics. It was a great read because I feel it covered the basics pretty well, and then dove even further without any fluff. The more interesting part was the authors views on the implications of quantum research, and the potential (no pun intented) outcomes of those implications. For anyone looking to understand quantum theory, mechanics, and research just a bit further, [...]

Let me start by saying that I'm not a scientist.I see myself as a science enthusiast but can't speak numbers myself.I found this book heavier than my usual cup of tea but have enjoyed it none the less.It took me on a very confusing journey of understanding.From understanding very little, to suddenly getting some of it and back to seeing how little I actually understandchanicWhat I can tell you after finishing this book is that I understand Quantum mechanics better than I did before :)A bit frust [...]

This is a good introduction for those of us that aren't fully versed in the intricacies of physics. I couldn't quite breeze through it due to the difficulty of the subject matter but the examples given and particularly the great design of the materials really helped me to feel like I walked away with a conversational grasp of the material. It's definitely one that I may pick up again in the future to help cement my understanding.

An excellent introduction to the field for anyone with an interest in Quantum or Physics more broadly. Al-Khalili writes in a style that is both accessible and engaging, which is thoroughly entertaining throughout.

Very good introduction for someone like me (i.e. those with practically zero understanding of physics). However, I think that the author's wording was a bit clumsy at times, and so I am left with way more questions than when I started!

I listened to the audiobook version and the recording is superb. This book is clear and easy to understand as long as you have higher GCSE or A-level experience of physics. It is not too technical but at the same time it does not talk down to you.

Al-Khalili, Jim. Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed (2003)I'm still perplexedI love quantum mechanics. I just don't understand it. It is to me like embracing yes and no at the same time, like believing and not believing in the same instant, like being and not being as one. Yes, Virginia there is something beyond our understanding. And the wonderful thing about the postmodern world is that we know for a certainty (in as much as we can be certain about anything) that we really don't understand thi [...]

I'm not sure there is any easy way to learn about quantum physics, but Al-Khalili does his best to take some incredibly difficult ideas and present them to a reader in a way that can be understood. Understood - up to a point. Without a detailed knowledge of advanced (really advanced) mathematics or theoretical physics, some of this material is very difficult to grasp by even the most intelligent people.But the effort to learn is well worth the time and concentration. Ordinary physics can be very [...]

An easy to follow introduction in Quantum Mechanics. The author puts a great deal of effort in explaining how quantum mechanics was born, how it evolved to its modern state, and what are the consequences we may expect in the future. Enjoyable and thrilling at the same time.

I'd studied quantum mechanics at university nearly 50 years ago so I had a good idea what to expect in terms of the unexpected but Jim Al-Khalili made a better fist of explaining the subject than my chemistry lecturers had done all those years ago - and without delving into advanced maths. This is the third or fourth popular science book on quantum mechanics that I've read in recent months and it is by far the best. Jim has done an excellent job of explaining the principles of this complex field [...]

I really enjoyed this book on the first read through but am glad I purchased it (rather than borrowed). It's one that even with some (very limited) background knowledge of quantum physics I was still periodically trying to catch up with the concepts. Regardless, it's a good starting point and takes you from conception of the concept to where it could lead for us in practical use. I, personally, like the philosophical impacts of quantum physics which this book really doesn't address so I was left [...]

I found this to be both more comprehensive and more accessible than any other book I've read on this subject. For the most part, it's neither inpenetrable nor dumbed down, but manages to strike just the right balance. Written in an informal style yet with great attention to detail, author Al-Khalili guides us through everything from the very beginning, taking care to answer exactly the kinds of question a beginner to the subject would have. He makes use of appropriate analogies, and dispels seve [...]

This is a very well written book delving into the fascinating topic of quantum mechanics. I already had some superficial knowledge from other books, but this really helped clarify a number of things and put the details I knew into a much clearer and wider context.The only negative I would say is that the flow is sometimes a little confusing. In places, there are rather long footnotes, captions, and even multiple secondary articles embedded in the main flow of text. These are a little difficult t [...]